LASER Scholars Perform in China

Seven members of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc. – who are all LASER Scholars – were invited to perform and demonstrate stepping in a culture sharing trip to China. From May 1-10, 2015, the students visited seven cities in ten days, presenting their one-of-a-kind step show, including stops at the Great Wall of China, the Embassy of the United States in Beijing, and Wuhan University in Wuhan, Hubei, China.

Stepping, a rising art form, uses the body as an instrument to create intricate rhythms and sounds through a combination of footsteps, claps and the spoken word. Stepping arose from song and dance traditions of historically African American fraternities and sororities in the early 1900s. “Sigma Lambda Beta has four pillars as a fraternity: Brotherhood, Scholarship, Community Service, and Cultural Awareness. Through mentorship programs, hosting cultural events ranging from Day of the Dead to LGBTQ events and stepping, the Psi Delta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta is breaking cultural boundaries, one step at a time,” said Cesar R. Santamaria, a member of the Psi Delta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta at The Ohio State University who travelled to China.

Other LASER Scholars who travelled to China include: Scott Singer, Martin Perez, Michael Gundich, Robert Peace, Jonathan Rodriguez, and Jose Padilla. If you'd like to see photos from their journey, click here.